An excellent set of pictures you've posted here, Six. Despite my years of experience as a parent I only ever give one piece of advice to other parents : take plenty of pictures because it's surprising how fast they grow up.

Keep on clicking! (or whatever the digital equivalent is!)

P.S. My kids look angelic on camera but are more than capable of exhibiting behaviour that suggests demonic possession! Well, I exaggerate about the demonic possession bit I'm sure you know what I mean.

I just got done reading the latest on your blog. It sounds as if the change of scenery has done wonders!

What bike did you buy? I have started looking around for a new road bike myself about a month ago, but haven't decided on a model yet. I test drove a Specialized Allez and a Tarmac a few weeks ago, but am not yet sold on either one. I am currently in love with a "Felt F4C" but want to more research before I pull the trigger. Any thoughts?

A lovely collection of photos Six. I seem to remember mine being unaware they were 'ill' when they had the pox. As the eldest had just had the MMR I thought the spots were the ones you can get from that, much to the annoyance of those who then got the pox badly as we continued mixing normally!Have a great summer, its good to see you looking so well.

Hope you're well sir, how aree the wilds of Wisconsin. I got a Specialized Allez Elite, got a very chunky sale discount as well (about $400) which helped. Spent months researching and did ride a Trek 1400 and a couple of Bianchi's but this baby is great. I guess it comes down to whether you want a more compact frame or not and the Specialized suited me perfectly

Louis's spots got wsorse but we only had one broken night's sleeep and I think that was more to do with him being hungry because he wasn't really eating much while he was ill. He's quite a robust little soul is our Lou. I'm glad they've both had them this early and with relatively little impact because I know people who's older kids get them seem to have a nightmare.